A police crackdown on anti-social behaviour and drugs is starting to restore the peace on Torquay's streets, says its MP.

Officers seized more illegal drugs and made arrests in their continuing operations in the town centre last week. A police officer was injured during one arrest.

The latest action follows months of operations including the use of dispersal orders, to deal with issues including drug dealing, theft and fake beggars in busy areas of the town.

Earlier police confirmed an officer had been injured last Friday. They said Operation Roxbury saw a quantity of drugs ranging from cannabis to spice seized, and two people were dispersed from the town until 9am on Saturday. A dispersal authority was put in place to assist the officers in dealing with begging, anti-social behaviour and drug offences.

A police officer was assaulted during one arrest and sustained ‘visible injuries’.

In August, at least six people collapsed on the streets of the town centre reportedly due to the effects of drugs, sparking warnings that a bad batch of hallucinogenic drugs could be on the streets. There have also been reports of increased use of spice, a potent type of synthetic cannabis which has strong psychoactive effects.

Officers have used banning orders and even organised the removal of flower beds with Torbay Council with the aim of driving drug users out of the town. Earlier Inspector Si Jenkinson, critical incident manager for South Devon, explained the action being taken, including removing flower beds.

Torbay MP Kevin Foster has now reported: “Over recent weeks my team and I have spent a considerable amount of time pushing for action to tackle the problems with anti-social behaviour that have been afflicting Torquay Town Centre.

“Since the height of the issues over summer the police have been taking firm action, including the use of dispersal orders, to deal with issues including drug dealing, theft and fake beggars. Two people charged with dealing spice in Torquay appeared at Exeter Crown Court, following another regular nuisance being sent to prison for possession of heroin and theft.

“Torquay currently has nine Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBO) in place for people police know to have caused problems throughout the town and they are pursuing a further two for persons arrested since August.

“The police were out in force in Torquay Town Centre on Friday, along with a four-legged ‘officer ‘who was keen to help them sniff out any illegal drugs. A dispersal authority was also put in place to assist the officers in dealing with begging, anti-social behaviour and drug offences.

“A quantity of drugs ranging from cannabis to spice were seized and two people were dispersed from the town until 0900hrs on Saturday. I am advised a further dispersal would be authorised if they returned and engaged in further anti-social behaviour (it is a specific offence to break a dispersal order).

“Two arrests were made for drug possession offences following separate stop checks. During one arrest, a police officer was assaulted, sustaining visible injuries. I am pleased to report that the offender concerned has now been charged and remanded in custody. I know every update reader will want to wish the officer a speedy recovery and his attacker an unenjoyable stay in prison.”

Mr Foster said further action days are planned between now and the end of the year. He said: “The police will not be advertising the dates ahead of them happening as they don’t want to spoil the surprise for anyone who might seek to avoid them.”

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He added: “When out and about in the town centre it has been noticeable that some regular problems appear to have reduced. Brunswick Square (where some had relocated to from Castle Circus) in Torre has been quieter during the day, the Strand had no-one sleeping rough on Wednesday night when I deliberately paid a couple of late night visits (a fake beggar left earlier in the evening) and Castle Circus has again been quieter.

Kevin Foster

“I understand two suppliers of spice are also being evicted from a property near Chapel Woods, in addition to prosecution, following them being identified as part of recent investigations.”

Officers from the Torquay Neighbourhood team, supported by student officers, South Hams Neighbourhood Officers, the Special Constabulary and Dorset Dog Unit conducted a day of action supporting Operation Roxbury.

A spokesperson from Torquay Police said: “During the course of the operation a quantity of drugs ranging from cannabis to spice were seized and two people were dispersed from the town until 9am on Saturday - both were reminded a further dispersal would be authorised if they returned and engaged in further anti-social behaviour.

Union Street, Torquay (Image: Rom Preston-Ellis)

“A 26-year-old male and 32-year-old male are in custody assisting officers with enquiries in to drug possession offences following separate stop checks. It is important to note that these officers have come together to support this operation by changing shifts, working on days off and travelling considerable distances to address the problems that affect the community. During one arrest, a local officer was assaulted, sustaining visible injuries. The offender is awaiting interview.

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“Further days of action are planned between now and the end of the year, the dates will not be published but further updates will follow once our activities are concluded. This represents our commitment to responding effectively to community concerns. We take reports seriously and will use whatever resources and legislation we have at our disposal to make the town a nicer place to be.”